Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has described his side's recent
defensive horror show against Reading as a 'Cartoon Cavalcade' and warned
his players they need to improve or 'God knows what will happen' against
Manchester City this weekend.

A picture of discomfort: Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has described his team's recent defensive displays as 'Cartoon Cavalcade'Photo: GETTY IMAGES

United have conceded an incredible 32 goals already this season, including another three in the first half at Reading on Saturday.

"We are getting punished for every ball that goes into our box at the moment but we should be defending far better," said Ferguson.

"We expect to do better. It is a worry. If we perform like that on Sunday God knows what is going to happen to us.

"Cartoon Cavalcade," was the Scot's pithy assessment of his side's defending, a reference to the Scottish TV children's program hosted by Glen Michael from 1966 until he early 90s, a show whose alumni include Super Gran, not famed for her ability to defend corners or track back down the flanks.

And United will need to improve without the reintroduction of Nemanja Vidic.

Ferguson confirmed that the Serb will not be involved in United's Champions League encounter with Cluj at Old Trafford this week, effectively ruling him out of the derby between he top two sides in the league, too.

The United manager had last week suggested there was a chance Vidic could be in the squad following knee surgery in September and the 31-year-old did train at Carrington this morning.

However, tomorrow's game will come too early in his recovery and he will not be considered for Sunday's match either.

''I do not think he will play,'' said Ferguson.

''He feels he needs another few days' training. He will not play in the derby if he doesn't play [against Cluj], although I wasn't considering him for Sunday anyway.''

Ferguson also confirmed Japan international Shinji Kagawa had returned to training after his own knee injury and there is an outside chance he could be involved at the weekend.

''He's showing good promise now. It is much better and I don't think he is far away,'' said Ferguson.

Meanwhile, Ferguson will make changes to his line up tomorrow, though Wayne Rooney will be in his starting XI.

"It has always been the case that Wayne needs to be playing games to get his match fitness," said Ferguson.

"He is a really strongly built lad. If he misses a game he needs three to come back."